The Rf value of each pigment was determined by dividing its migration by the migration of the solvent. It was determined that 4 pigments were present in the original spot — carotene, xanthophyll, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b.

What factors are involved in the separation of pigments? Solubility, the size of the particles and the pigments attractiveness to the paper based upon the pigment’s chemical structure. Would you expect the Rf value of the pigment to be the same if a different solvent was used?

The importance of pigment in photosynthesis is that it helps absorb the energy from light. The free electrons at the molecular level in the chemical structure of these photosynthetic pigments revolve at certain energy levels.

Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll, the primary pigment used in photosynthesis, reflects green light and absorbs red and blue light most strongly. In plants, photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, which contain the chlorophyll.

The importance of pigment in photosynthesis is that it helps absorb the energy from light. When light energy (photons of light) falls on these pigments, the electrons absorb this energy and jump to the next energy level.

Chlorophyll A is the major pigment used in photosynthesis, but there are several types of chlorophyll and numerous other pigments that respond to light, including red, brown, and blue pigments. These other pigments may help channel light energy to chlorophyll A or protect the cell from photo-damage.

Chlorophyll, the primary pigment used in photosynthesis, reflects green light and absorbs red and blue light most strongly.

The reaction centre contains pigments such as chlorophyll and phaeophytin. These absorb light, promoting an electron to a higher energy level within the pigment.

Multiple pigments allow the plant to have both photosynthesis and cellular respiration to maximize the amount of energy they capture from the sun. Multiple pigments absorb different wavelengths of light, allowing the plant to capture the maximum amount of energy from the sun.